Best Brick Oven Pizzas In Atlanta

August 28, 2012 12:50 PM

In order to achieve that perfect crunchy, but chewy crust, some eateries concentrate on the type of flour while others focus on the method of preparation. Some on this list adhere to strict Italian sauces and toppings and others limit the tradition to the crust, featuring American toppings like BBQ pork. No matter the approach, topping or atmosphere, you can count on a quality brick-oven pizza experience from these Atlanta eateries.

Located near Georgia Institute of Technology, Antico Pizza is sometimes a little rowdy. However, its pizza is as traditional as it comes. The crusts are soft on the inside and charred on the outside. You can choose from a list of 10 pizzas featuring any one of the following sauces; marinara, bianca, capricciosa, pomodorini (meat) and diavola (meat). For a great pie, order the San Gennaro that comes with salsiccia, sweet red peppers, bufala and cipolline. Or bite into a lighter option like the Bianca. This pizza comes with fior di latte, ricotta, bufala and pecorino.

There is only one place where you can order the Maximus and that is here at Max’s. The Maximus is a 24-inch, six-pound pizza featuring all meat toppings. For the less carnivorous stomachs, there are 10 specialty pizzas. Max’s Mediterranean is a unique twist with artichokes, roasted red peppers, mixed olives and romano cheese. If you can’t find the combination you want from the specialties list, create your own pizza pie. There are close to 20 toppings to choose from.

The rustic ambience at Fuoco di Napoli is just a precursor to the finest quality pizza it offers. The crust has crispy edges but is chewy inside. There are only seven pizzas on the menu including the Pizza Sopresa (Pizza Surprise) which is made differently for each individual who orders it. However, you can order a classic instead if putting your trust in the chef seems like too big of a risk. Place your order online for a quick pick up meal to bring home.

Shorty’s definitely isn’t short on toppings. Toppings are divided into normal, rock star and superstar categories. The rock star and super star toppings include arugula, toasted walnuts, bacon, shrimp and soprasetta. Not to be outdone, the normal toppings include capers, cheddar, pesto and ricotta. With this veritable confluence of toppings, it is a wonder why specialty pizzas are even needed. The best balance of flavors that a meat eater would love can be found on the B.B. King featuring shaved BBQ pork tenderloin, cilantro, goat cheese and Caesar salad dressing on top. For the non-meat eaters, the Rhavi Shankar is a white pie sans cheese covered with curry oil, roasted vegetables and cilantro-mint chutney.

Like Fuoco di Napoli and Antico, Double Zero is painstakingly adamant about adhering to the traditions of Neapolitan pizza. Double Zero only uses Doppio Zero Flour, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, all-natural fior di latte or bufala fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, sea salt and yeast to make its pizzas. However, this precision does not subtract from great taste. The Market Mushroom comes with fresh local mushrooms and porcini white sauce, making for a truly wonderful pie.

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Sebrina Bush is a freelance writer in Atlanta. She is covering Food & Drink. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.